The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has strongly condemned the government and its security agencies following violent attacks on peaceful protesters in Lilongwe on Thursday, demanding the immediate dismissal of Minister of Homeland Security Ezekiel Ching’oma and Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu.
In a sharply worded statement released Friday morning, the MLS accused the two top officials of gross incompetence and dereliction of duty, citing their failure to protect unarmed protesters during a march organised by the Citizens for Credible Elections movement.
During the demonstration, protesters were reportedly assaulted by machete-wielding thugs commonly referred to as “panga thugs” in full view of Malawi Police Service (MPS) officers and members of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). Video footage circulating online shows security officers passively observing the violence, prompting outrage from civil society groups and ordinary Malawians.
“The Minister has demonstrably failed to uphold the constitutional discipline and conduct expected of the police service,” the MLS stated, citing Section 153(4) of the Malawi Constitution, which outlines the responsibilities of the police service under the oversight of the Minister of Homeland Security.
The Society further called for the dismissal of IG Yolamu, accusing her of violating Section 154 of the Constitution, which requires the Inspector General to act impartially and competently. “The Inspector General’s continued silence and lack of decisive action reflect compromised impartiality and questionable command in handling matters of public order,” the statement read.
The MLS said the attacks constitute a deliberate suppression of constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of assembly and expression. “The state must act within the law and for the public good. Any continued inaction only reinforces the perception that security forces are being weaponised against citizens rather than serving them,” the Society warned.
Adding to the tension, Sylvester Namiwa, the lead organiser of the protests, was reportedly hospitalised at Kamuzu Central Hospital after sustaining deep injuries during the attacks. Namiwa and his group had taken to the streets to demand the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Anabel Ntalimanja and Chief Elections Officer Andrew Mpesi over allegations of incompetence and a loss of public trust ahead of the September 2025 elections.
Despite mounting pressure, government officials have yet to comment publicly on the MLS’s demands or the violence witnessed in Lilongwe.
Human rights activists, opposition leaders, and international observers have since echoed calls for an independent investigation and immediate action to restore public confidence in state institutions.
The MLS concluded its statement by urging the President and Parliament to act swiftly, stating: “The rule of law cannot coexist with state-sponsored impunity.”
0 Comments